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Lawmakers on Monday hailed the transfer of power in Iraq as a positive step toward democracy, but they also pointed out the security situation in the country remains unstable and emphasized that U.S. work in that country is unfinished.

Lawmakers on Monday hailed the transfer of power in Iraq as a positive step toward democracy, but they also pointed out the security situation in the country remains unstable and emphasized that U.S. work in that country is unfinished.

"For too long, Iraqi families have lived in the face of fear, tyranny and despair," he said. "Today they begin the journey to freedom. My congratulations go out to all Iraqis as they begin this new chapter in their history -- the support of the world is with them today and in the future."

But Sen. Jay Rockefeller, D-West Virginia, in a statement typical of many Democrats, emphasized the tasks that remain in Iraq, where insurgents have violently fought the U.S. occupation, killing members of the armed forces and civilians.

"While we transferred sovereignty today, we need to be honest with the American people that this struggle is far from over," Rockefeller said. "Security in Iraq is worse now than it was right after the fall of Baghdad and may deteriorate further. The Iraqi security forces cannot handle the challenge alone, reconstruction has barely started, and massive unemployment has left many frustrated and even desperate."

And House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-California, stressed the costs of the war and reconstruction.

"As we wish the members of the interim government well in the undertaking that will require so much of our attention and assistance in the coming months, it is also appropriate to reflect on the costs of the war thus far in lives lost and wounds suffered, and in the billions of dollars spent," Pelosi said. "The sacrifices of the dead, the wounded, and their families, must always be in our thoughts as we take stock of what may be achieved and at what cost."